How synthetic drugs are fueling chaos in cities

They’re cheap. They’re unpredictable. And they’re showing up everywhere—from parks to shelters to subway stations. Synthetic drugs and urban violence are now deeply connected across Europe.

The new face of street drug use

Unlike classic street drugs, synthetic versions like Spice, Flakka, and “bath salts” hit fast and hard. One puff or pill can lead to:

• Screaming, panic, or hallucinations
• Sudden violence or aggression
• Running into traffic or attacking strangers
• Stripping off clothes or self-harm

These aren’t rare cases. In cities like Manchester, Berlin, and Paris, emergency workers report daily scenes of chaotic outbursts linked to synthetic drug use.

The EMCDDA confirms that these substances, especially synthetic cathinones and cannabinoids, are increasingly tied to aggressive and unpredictable behaviors in public areas.

Why it spreads so fast

Synthetic drugs are:

• Easy to get online
• Packaged like candy or potpourri
• Invisible in many drug tests
• Extremely cheap (sometimes €2 per dose)

This means:

• Homeless communities get hooked
• Youth try them out of curiosity
• Overloaded services can’t respond fast enough

When cities lose control

Police, medics, and transit workers now face synthetic drug-related chaos as part of daily life. But most citizens don’t realize it until someone snaps in their neighborhood.

At Narconon Europe, families call us when someone they love ends up hospitalized—or arrested—for something that started with “just a legal high.”

FAQ: synthetic drugs and urban violence

Why are synthetic drugs more violent than others?

Because the ingredients constantly change. Some act like meth, others like PCP. Users never know what they’re taking.

Where do most incidents happen?

In public spaces—train stations, shelters, parks, or public toilets—often near vulnerable populations.

Why don’t authorities control this better?

Because the drugs mutate fast. By the time one is banned, five new ones replace it with different formulas.

Can someone recover after such an episode?

Yes. With drug-free rehab like Narconon, people regain clarity, stability, and responsibility—even after extreme cases.